Genetic variability in bacterial wilt resistant F3 progenies of tomato

Abstract

Fifteen bacterial wilt resistant F3 progenies of tomato along with one bacterial wilt resistant standard check (Palam Pride) were studied for the extent of genetic variability with respect to fruit yield and contributing traits in mid hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. To ascertain severity of the disease, two susceptible checks, Roma and Marglobe were planted at every alternate 11th row in the experiment. Analysis of variance indicated sufficient amount of variability among the progenies for all the traits except plant survival. High estimates of PCV and GCV were exhibited by total fruits per plant and marketable fruits per plant. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for total fruits per plant, marketable fruits per plant and marketable yield per plant. High to moderate heritability coupled with high to moderate genetic advance indicated preponderance of additive gene action which implied that these traits could be improved by pure line selection. Whereas, recombination breeding will prove effective in improving the traits viz., days to first harvest, pericarp thickness, duration of fruit harvest and total soluble solids.